Manila: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has issued instructions for preemptive evacuations in eight regions of the Philippines in anticipation of Tropical Storm Man-yi, which will be named Pepito once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The directive aims to mitigate the risks associated with the approaching storm. According to Philippines News Agency, OCD Operations Service Director Cesar Idio announced that the evacuations are set to commence on November 15 in Regions 1, 2, 3, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, 5, 6, and 7. "So starting tomorrow po ang order ng ating Secretary of National Defense na mag preemptive evacuation na," Idio stated in a media briefing, indicating that the Secretary of National Defense, Gilberto Teodoro Jr., has mandated the initiation of preemptive evacuations beginning Friday. Idio emphasized the importance of utilizing the available time to prepare adequately until Saturday. He urged local government units (LGUs) and relevant agencies to ensure that evacuation centers and local response units are ready to support the preemptive evacuation efforts. Man-yi is projected to impact a significant portion of Luzon over the weekend and is expected to enter the PAR by Thursday night. In addition to the evacuations, OCD regional offices have been directed to focus on the replenishment and prepositioning of resources during this preparatory phase. Idio highlighted the critical role of LGU preparation in safeguarding public safety against potential natural hazards, such as floods and landslides, despite the national government's oversight of the situation.